Newsletters
His article was originally written for Türkiye Today’s weekly newsletter, Saturday's Wrap-up, in its May 23, 2026, issue. Please make sure you subscribe to the newsletter by clicking here.
A Turkish court decision has annulled the 2023 congress of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), where the leadership changed hands from former opposition head Kemal Kilicdaroglu to Ozgur Ozel, then an MP backed by former Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.
The 2023 convention took place shortly after the May presidential election loss to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan—a cycle that was itself defined by rifts within the main opposition. While Kilicdaroglu asserted his candidacy, the party’s new wing around Imamoglu was pushing for a presidential candidate who could beat Erdogan. Long story short, Kilicdaroglu was able to position himself as the candidate, thinking that Erdogan was at his weakest. What politician says no to such a possibility, especially in Türkiye’s new presidential system where the president holds vast powers?
Kilicdaroglu’s initial political campaign in the early 2010s was built on his physical resemblance to Mahatma Gandhi—evoking an image of honesty and resistance. However, as the years passed, his perceived lust for power wiped that image away, making him appear like any other politician.
Based on allegations of procedural irregularities and vote-buying—claims the CHP vehemently denies—the court removed Ozel and his administration from office, legally reinstating Kilicdaroglu and his former leadership team. Kilicdaroglu has already updated his X bio, stating he is the current chairman of CHP.
The CHP immediately contested the ruling's legitimacy on May 22. Party officials argued that the lower courts lack jurisdiction over this matter and that only the Supreme Election Council (YSK) holds the authority to invalidate party congresses. However, this appeal was rejected by the election council.
Kilicdaroglu's reinstatement comes at a time when he remains a highly unpopular figure among opposition voters following his refusal to step down after the 2023 defeat. His return via a court mandate has already drawn sharp criticism from other political leaders.
Iyi Party leader Musavat Dervisoglu explicitly rejected the possibility of engaging with Kilicdaroglu under these circumstances. When asked by journalists how he would respond to a meeting request from the reinstated chairman, Dervisoglu stated: "I do not accept anyone as an interlocutor in politics who does not derive their power from the nation. I don't meet with appointed people."
The court decision did not lead to mass protests as some might have predicted. Only a couple of thousand people gathered around the CHP’s local branches, with some crowds gathering in Ankara as well.
Inside the CHP headquarters, the situation remains tense. According to Hürriyet's Ankara representative Hande Firat, Kilicdaroglu is expected to take a measured approach while consolidating control. Firat notes that "there will be some farewells," indicating that the memberships of certain party figures may be suspended. There are ongoing discussions that Kilicdaroglu might physically return to the party headquarters on the first day of the upcoming Eid holiday or this Sunday, according to Firat.
Despite the abrupt leadership change, the two rivals maintain a line of communication. Following Friday's court ruling, Kilicdaroglu and Ozel held a phone call. According to Kilicdaroglu’s adviser, the reinstated leader informed Ozel that he intends to take the party to a new convention "at the most appropriate time." Ozel reportedly welcomed the proposal, stating he would discuss it with party officials before giving a definitive response. However, Kilicdaroglu is not expected to organize a new convention anytime soon.
A new convention may not prevent the party from fracturing. There are growing claims in Ankara's political backstage that this dispute could lead to a permanent split within the CHP.
Specifically, rumors are circulating about the potential formation of a new political faction, currently being referred to as the "Ekim Partisi" (October Party). However, Ozgur Ozel denied such a possibility in his statement after the court decision. He said such a plan would only exist if the CHP were shut down by a court ruling.
The primary focus moving forward will be whether the CHP can navigate this leadership dispute without permanently dividing its base.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
7 min read
